The government should spend less than they make during good times, like most of 2000 to 2008

In a recession, some debt makes since, like have you noticed that in the latest job reports there is an increase in private jobs but it's almost cancelled by a loss of public jobs? Those were the jobs paid for by the stimulus which is now running out. Those public employees will now have no income, so they spend less, which hurts the economy.

I wouldn't say they are "drunk", for the reasons explained by others. But unfortunately these prices are out of reach for many of us. :| I'm not saying it's not worth it, just saying that the typical backpacker can't spend $790 for a tent. For most of us, that kind of price range is what we envision for gear to be used on an alpine expedition, not regular 3/4 season backpacking.

But, then, apparently Hillebergs are the Mercedes of tents... and most of us can't afford Mercedes either...

My Hilleberg tent (Jannu), was bought a couople of years ago in the states and delivered to me by my american brother in law.But, for the price I would have payed if I bought it here, I also could have afforded a flight ticket to the states and back. I other words, it's the same cost to manufacture a tent here, ship it to the states and the ship it back than to just buy it off the factory floor. Makes sense.

Where do I live? SwedenWhere is my tent produced? Latvia (for those who don't know is just around the corner and also a member of the EU-union = no toll)Retail price in Sweden for a Jannu (2012): $ 1092So from my point of view, you're all spoiled by extreme retail prices. :)

I agree that Hillebergs should be on anyone's list for an expedition ready, 4 season shelter.

But their 3 season shelters are going to 'miss' in North America. Far too expensive when there are lighter, cheaper, high performance 3 season tents from other manufacturers. There is no real benefit of a 3 season Hilleberg tent over other 3 season tent makers. It may be perceived through brand value but it really doesn't exist.

I saw these at the last Outdoor Retailer show, they look much like the older models but have a lighter weight Kerlon. As for value, my Hilleberg tent was one of the smartest purchases I've ever made. After five years and two Arctic expeditions (by Peter, from whom I bought it) it's functionally as good as new.

Looks like Hilleberg is doing some hedging itself. The European website used to have list prices in Euros, now it's in Swedish kroner. Need not be an economist to figure that one out.

> Far too expensive when there are lighter, cheaper, high performance 3 season tents from other manufacturers.

A couple of comments:* Those who have Hilleberg tents don't seem to think they are all that expensive.* Corresponding NZ Macpac tents are about the same price, and they also sell quite well.* Perhaps you would care to name other brands which are of comparable quality for extreme mountain weather?

Yes, there are many other brands of so-called 4-season tents. I know most of them. Imho most of them are really designed for sheltered locations in mild weather. Oh sure, their marketing spin may claim otherwise, but that's to be expected.

When the brown ring starts going past at 100+ kph, then you find out the difference between a genuine mountain tent and a cheap mass-market tent.